No Dome on the Hiawathas again

[rtabern]

I just saw #340(21) and it was the regular consist of 6 horizons. No Great Dome as has appeared on it on the Mondays before TG in 2012, 2013, and 2014.

Was told by several in the know on the forum that it likely sit unused in Albany this week... Appears to be the case.

I guess expecting it out here TG week is something too forget. Too bad. We had fun for three years riding it all day on TG and bringing the crews food.

Anyone know why it got pulled? My guess is its no longer used for the Leavenworth Snow Train (used for a Toys for Tots train in NY instead)... So no need for it to head to Chicago TG week.

 

[Eric S]

Not sure why it would matter as far as the dome is concerned, but during the Thanksgiving holiday period, supposedly the Hiawatha will be running longer trains (as well as going to reserved ticketing)

 

[KnightRail]

These days where the dome goes is determined by who is willing to write a check. This year it went on the Downeaster because the states that support that route funded it. The dome goes on the Adirondack annually because the state of New York funds it. Most routes under 750 miles are state supported, and those states determine the equipment, among other things, that they are willing to pay for. An example is the Heartland Flyer which used to run with a P42 on each end, which became a P42 and an NPCU, and which is changing again soon. Bottom line, if the dome is going to appear on a state supported route, it's going to be at the request and funding of that state(s).

 

[StriderGDM]

And as I've suggested elsewhere, there are still several of the Great Northern Domes left. (I believe 4 others are extent). I do think Amtrak should make an effort to acquire them.

A fleet of 5 isn't any worse than a fleet of 1 when it comes to maintenance (and perhaps is a bit easier and cheaper) and I think they're good publicity for Amtrak.

 

[Palmetto]

I don't get that. 5 is five times more than one....

 

[rtabern]

Got photo confirmation its in Albany tonight. Pretty crappy IMO that Amtrak would let it sit for a month unused instead of running it and letting folks enjoy and more importAntly adding up to 400 more seats a day on a train like the Hiawatha. Dont believe Amtraks press release 'we are running every piece of equipment' this week

 

[Thirdrail7]

Anyone know why it got pulled? My guess is its no longer used for the Leavenworth Snow Train (used for a Toys for Tots train in NY instead)... So no need for it to head to Chicago TG week.

It seems as though you've answered your own question.

 

[rtabern]

Anyone know why it got pulled? My guess is its no longer used for the Leavenworth Snow Train (used for a Toys for Tots train in NY instead)... So no need for it to head to Chicago TG week.

It seems as though you've answered your own question.

The Toys for Tots Train doesn't begin until December 3... too bad it can't come out here still for November and then still do that event out in NY.

Hey -- I'll make a $100 donation next year to Toys for Tots if the dome comes out here to Chicago and runs on the Hiawatha for TG2017. And you can hold me to it!

 

[jebr]

Sounds like Illinois and Wisconsin need to spend a bit more money if they want the dome car on the route. The dome is likely much more expensive than a standard coach to run, and so it's not used unless there's a specific reason to run it or the states wish to pay for it.

 

[StriderGDM]

And it's classified as a non-revenue car I believe (i.e. you can't buy seats in it specifically) so all the downside of costs and none of the upsides of income.

 

[Devil's Advocate]

So maybe sell the extra seats as revenue generators instead of leaving them to sit around as a self imposed money pit?

 

[Thirdrail7]

Anyone know why it got pulled? My guess is its no longer used for the Leavenworth Snow Train (used for a Toys for Tots train in NY instead)... So no need for it to head to Chicago TG week.

It seems as though you've answered your own question.

The Toys for Tots Train doesn't begin until December 3... too bad it can't come out here still for November and then still do that event out in NY.

Hey -- I'll make a $100 donation next year to Toys for Tots if the dome comes out here to Chicago and runs on the Hiawatha for TG2017. And you can hold me to it!

As I mentioned last year, that's a tight turnaround, particularly if something goes wrong. Perhaps it may return if there are few weeks between Toys For Tots and Thanksgiving. However, that also assumes the Ski train doesn't request it.